Chapter 4

Max

I stand in a bathroom with Victoria, Courtney and Taylor and we're all making sure we look immaculate before we make our entrance to the party.

I admit I love how I look after Courtney worked on my hair and makeup. I feel a little childish not being able to do it all myself and I figure I'll ask Courtney to teach me her ways someday. In Seattle me and my friends were never into makeup because makeup was too corporate, and we didn't use products that'd been tested on animals. I didn't really care after a while, but using makeup was borderline a death sentence in my circle. So long as I could still shower and shave I was happy.

The dress that I'm borrowing from Victoria doesn't fit perfectly, they tell me, but it looks fine to me. It's a Red Valentino and when Victoria tells me how much it cost it's kind of a rush.

They make me promise to stay relatively sober tonight because they're paranoid about Hayden. Victoria makes a comment about Hayden seeing me as a 'trophy fuck' and for a moment I feel an odd sense of pride. Then I'm a little disappointed in how trashy I've become.

Courtney leaves us because she's meeting up with her new boyfriend Paul, who she says is 20. Hayden has told Victoria he knows the guy and he's nearer to 30.

"I wonder how grandpa bagged Courtney? I don't know where you'd get a Happy Meal in Arcadia Bay."

Taylor and I laugh, but I avoid ragging on Courtney because that'd be bad karma. Jefferson is close to 40, I think.

"I hope he's cute or it'll be pretty creepy." Taylor says.

Taylor isn't officially with anyone at this party, but she still has her eyes on a freshman, Brian, who just made the Bigfoots. She pointed him out to us recently and he's cute.

"As long as the vice squad doesn't bust up the party I don't care." Victoria replies.

Victoria also isn't with anyone. I have visions of her putting her love life on hold trying to get me and Trevor into each other's arms. But Victoria could get a date easily enough I guess, but she's all in on Zach. We've been avoiding talking about it and will probably ignore Zach and Juliet tonight ... unless Victoria gets drunk and does something scandalous. I'd watch those fireworks.

Thinking back to my meeting with Hayden makes me cringe. I'm not sure how well I handled myself. But I tell myself it's impossible to make the wrong moves with Hayden. He takes everything in stride. I could show up tonight, throw a drink in his face and tell him to fuck off and he'd just laugh it off and offer me a hit. Maybe.

Kate

The loud music hurts my ears. I'll probably be hungover just from that tomorrow. People are friendly to me, saying they're surprised to see me, and while I'm happy that they're trying to make me feel welcome it's tough to have conversations with this music blaring. Alcohol, even drugs are offered to me constantly. I refuse it all of course. I worry for the people here and a part of me considers revealing the abundance of alcohol and drugs to Principle Wells on Monday, but that would only alienate me further from my classmates. It is something to keep in mind though. Perhaps I could do it anonymously?

I see Victoria and her friends. I'm relieved. They've been so nice to me lately, and they're the most familiar faces I've seen so far. I move towards them but moving through the crowd is difficult. I'm getting shoved around, and someone elbows me hard in the arm. It's an accident, and they don't even notice what they've done, but it hurts and it's a little shocking how carelessly people are acting. A boy in a Bigfoots jacket grabs me by the arm and tells me it's crazy to see me in this place. He shouts at me so I can hear him. My head is really pounding because of the noise now.

Victoria has seen me and is now moving towards me. She hugs me which is very welcome. I try to talk but she can't hear me, and she starts guiding me towards a curtained off area to the rear of the building which turns out to be the Vortex Club VIP area. It's much less crowded and not quite as loud so I'm grateful.

Max

Once I get into the party I think the music is way too loud and I start making my way to the VIP area. Victoria wanted that whole area to be quieter and more 'intimate', and once I arrive I'm relieved to find she'd pulled that off. My plan is to find Hayden and start hitting the pipe with him. That'll calm everything down. I don't think weed can be an aphrodisiac. It isn't for me, anyway. In any case, a high Hayden won't be able to make any sudden moves.

It occurs to me that I have no idea whether Trevor is a VIP, or whether he's at the party at all. I suppose at one point he would've been a VIP. Victoria would've wanted him to be in here dry humping me all night. I guess we'll find out if she's a real friend if we find his name was crossed off the list.

But then, how sad would that be for Trevor? Maybe he's already upset about me ditching him for Hayden and then he gets kicked out of the Vortex Club? What a mess. I try not to think about it. I keep telling myself that Trevor is in love with Dana anyway.

Nathan is the first person I meet in the VIP area.

"Max, babe, you look amazing! I hear you're with Hayden now?! Congrats!" He's speaking loudly. Too loudly because we're far away from the speakers now and the VIP area is relatively quiet. He must be on something that fucks up his ears. I decide to raise my voice to match his so it doesn't look like he's flipping out on me.

"Yeah I guess so!" I'm always curious about Nathan's love life "Now we just need to hook you up with someone!"

"Can you believe Kate's here?!"

I look around for Kate. Nathan could be hallucinating. I'd gotten separated from Victoria moving to the VIP area and I guess she'd sensed her prey and had swooped in on Kate already. I guess I'm rooting for Kate. I hope she gets wasted at the party and proves to everyone she's a badass drunk.

"She showed up?! I should go say hey!"

"Do it! We're gonna get her fucked up man!"

"Just drinks, right?"

"What you mean?!"

"You're not gonna spike her drinks or anything?"

"Nah! We were gonna, but we figure she'll be lightweight enough! No point! Besides, I'm not carrying anything!"

"What about the stuff we picked up from the dealer?"

"None of that was for Kate! What about the stuff I bought for you man?! I paid for that shit!"

I've gone quiet and I remind myself to raise my voice again. Match Nathan's energy.

"Maybe some other time! That one pill didn't do anything!"

"We gotta break you in I guess! It's gotta build in your system! Bottom line is you gotta make a commitment!"

"Some other time! I'm going to see Kate!"

Kate

Victoria has been introducing me to everyone in the Vortex Club, even to people I already know, and I can't help but find it a little funny that she's already a little drunk. Max walks up to us and like almost everyone she says she's surprised to see me at the party, but she's happy I came. Max, Victoria and all the girls look beautiful and I'm conscious of the fact I turned up in my school clothes. I feel like I'm the centre of attention and it makes me a little uncomfortable to stand out so much. I'd prefer to sit down and watch (This is the first time I've been around so many drunk people and it's a very curious spectacle), and maybe have some conversation.

Victoria puts her arm around me and starts discussing Courtney Wagner with Max and they're joking about her dating a much older man. Max says something about Mr. Jefferson which shocks me, although they both find it funny. Victoria calls Max a bitch, but she's laughing as she says it. I'm surprised, but fascinated, at how they talk to each other as friends. Max says she has to leave. She tells me to have fun and I smile back at her and tell her I will but I don't think she hears me.

Max

I approach Hayden who is laid back on a couch but once he sees me he springs up and offers his hand to me which I take, and he guides me around the table to a spot next to him. He can turn on a pretty good gentleman gimmick. Taylor sits nearby, Logan is also around. Saffron (A flirty girl I know from some classes) is here along with her friend Sophie and a guy that I've met before but I couldn't tell you his name. I wonder what's happening with this jock Taylor is interested in. I hope she gets some.

"Max! I've been waiting for you," Hayden reaches down and hands me a bong "Our first date. You might want this."

"Woo!" Taylor says after taking a big gulp of her drink "Max, you and Hayden are soo cute together! I'm real happy for you! Ignore Victoria!"

"Thanks, Taylor!" I say before taking a small hit. Hayden wraps an arm around my waist. I glance up at him and expect him to leering at me, but he's not so I give him a pass.

"Can't say I'm upset about ruining Victoria's plans," says Hayden before he turns to me "You look amazing by the way."

"Courtney did my makeup!" I'm too big a sucker for compliments, and I probably sound a little too giddy.

"She didn't cover up your freckles," he says "That's good. I like the freckles."

Another compliment for the freckles. They're killing it lately.

"Yeah you look pretty hot tonight." says Logan, reaching out for the bong which I let him take after I'm done. The other people around are agreeing with him. I don't want to say anything.

"Get me Courtney. She deserves a hit." Hayden says

"Over there," Taylor points out Courtney "With Paul."

She motions towards a little table in a barely lit section of the VIP lounge where Courtney and Paul are sat together, deep in conversation.

"How old is that dude again? We gotta call the police." says Saffron.

"Hayden says he's like 30." Taylor says

"If I'm thinking of the same guy," Hayden responds "One of my ex's had a brother named Paul who liked the younger chicks. Kind of an asshole."

"Kind of a pedo, right?" says Logan "Me and the boys should have a talk with him."

"No need to round up the posse, Logan." I say "You'll just embarrass her. We'll watch out for her."

"I got a close look earlier and he's not even that cute." says Taylor "He's scruffy. We should hook her up with someone else."

The conversation turns to the other guy in our group, who's called Gareth. He's single and not bad looking so we all start debating whether he should go make a move on Courtney, but he doesn't want to upset this Paul guy. Gareth is funny in a dorky way. He knows we're teasing him but it plays it deadpan. I'm surprised he's not involved with either Saffron or Sophie considering how closely the three sit together.

Hayden has started looking at me, his hand always on my waist which I kinda like but I'm too nervous to look back at him. I'm a no eye contact on the first date kind of gal. I just focus on the conversation around Gareth. Victoria wanders over to us.

"I just wanted to see how the new Vortex Club couple are doing!" she says.

"Fine and dandy." says Hayden, who I've noticed has been passing up the bong as it moves around the group. Maybe because he doesn't want to take his hand off my waist. Maybe because he wants to stay conscious and horny (I hope not).

"We're talking Gareth into stealing Courtney away from her sugar daddy." says Saffron. I like Saffron, and she makes up a good trio with Gareth and Sophie. I'm laughing a lot at their jokes. It could just be the weed. Saffron looks great. She's cut her hair shorter and I've been waiting for the right moment to compliment it. Sophie put on too much makeup but she has a really hot body. I wish I could pull off a tight dress like she does.

"Creepy, right?" Victoria says.

"Logan's thinking of kicking his ass!" says Taylor.

"I'm not gonna kick is ass unless he does something weird to Courtney."

"Sounds like someone's a little jealous?" says Victoria.

"I'm not jealous it's just the dude shouldn't be here."

"I hate to say it, but I'd rather see Courtney hook up with Logan over this weirdo. She must have put this guy on the VIP list as well. Without my permission." says Victoria.

"Just leave her with the creep if the only alternative is Logan." I say.

"I hear that!" says Taylor, laughing. She's drunk already.

"Fuck you guys! I'm getting another drink." Logan leaves.

Kate

I'm feeling a little tired. I check my watch but it's too dark. The flashing lights don't help me. Victoria has left me for now, but she says she'll be back, and now Nathan Prescott is talking to me. Apologizing for things I didn't even know he'd said about me. I'm a little sad to hear he's been talking behind my back, but it's very curious to see him behaving this way and I wonder if he's done drugs. He isn't acting like everyone else in the room. He's hyperactive and rambling and talking very loudly. I do appreciate him apologizing though.

I've seen Nathan in Mr. Jefferson's class before. Sometimes he comes in and hangs out with Victoria, Max and Taylor. I always want to laugh because this bugs Mr. Jefferson who always tells him to beat it. He seems to respect Mr. Jefferson. I've seen Nathan with other teachers, and he can be very disobedient, but he doesn't answer back to Mr. Jefferson.

Nathan wanders off, but then he comes back, this time with a glass in his hand. He offers me a drink and I refuse, same as I've been refusing drinks all night, but he's very insistent and soon he's trying to gather a crowd around to support him.

Max

I'm still sat with Hayden and we're kind of alone because the weed has run out. Saffron and Gareth are still with us but they're deep in conversation about something. I'm thinking they'd make a cute couple, except Saffron is perhaps a little too good looking for him. Sophie is off dancing with some other guy called Harry I think. I don't think Harry is that hot but he came up and asked her to dance in front of everyone so he's got some balls at least. If only I could be like that sometimes.

After that Hayden and I were encouraging Taylor to make a move on this jock she likes, Brian, and although she was freaking out over the idea we convinced her to get moving and pull a Harry. She was intercepted by Victoria though which gave her the perfect opportunity to avoid the mission. Brian had been standing around with two other Bigfoots in one corner of the room all night, not engaging with anyone at the party, so I could understand Taylor being intimidated. I actually felt bad about sending her towards that group but it was a useful conversation to pass the time and avoid a possibly intimate conversation with Hayden. We haven't spoken to each other that much tonight, but it's a party so what can you do?

"What you thinking about?" Hayden says after a period of silence. He'd been perfectly still and I had wondered if he'd fallen asleep perhaps. I wouldn't check because like I said, eye contact seemed like it'd be a big deal.

"We've been sat on this sofa this entire night." I say. I'm watching Kate in the middle of the VIP section. A small crowd has gathered around her. She's the life of an otherwise lame party right now. I hope she's not wasted because I would've completely missed seeing it happen.

"I like this sofa. There's a long history behind this sofa."

"Is that what all these stains are?"

It's not flirting if it's gross. I hope that's how that's how guys feel as well.

"You're a sick, troubled girl, Max," he says, laughing "It's just a lot of people have gotten high for the first time on this sofa. Me included. We drag it around to every party."

"My first time was in Seattle with my friend Lydia."

"Weed, right?"

"Maybe. Maybe not." I smile. This is the kind of conversation that could be fun "You're always going to girl on girl."

"A man's gotta have dreams, Max."

"Who would you want me to team up with?"

"That's a very dangerous question to answer." he says after a pause, laughing "Believe me, I know."

"You could just name a celebrity or something if you don't want me to get jealous of Victoria or someone."

"You and Victoria? Kind of scary. You're both so bad together."

"Isn't that a good thing?"

"I like a good cop bad cop thing."

"So you'd want to be in handcuffs during the whole time?"

"No comment."

"I'd be the good cop by the way. I'm always trying to talk her out of stuff."

"I think she'd be the one talking you into stuff though," Hayden says "And that could be pretty hot but I like cute Max, not nasty Max."

"You liked 'scary hot' Max though," I say, remembering him wooing me in his dorm, "Someone once told me that the cute, shy girls always turn out to be nastiest. I think I really disappointed that guy though."

"I think you've got a little mean streak, it's just only Victoria's gotten a taste of it."

"I think you want a taste of it too," I say, smiling "I'm not falling for this 'cute Max' thing."

"I'm just gonna roll with whatever happens." he says, squeezing me a little closer to him.

Suddenly someone shouts out "Kate's about to get wasted!"

Kate

There's so much pressure for me to drink. A whole group of people waiting for me to do it. I really shouldn't. But this is how I fit in. And it's not like it'd be my first ever taste of alcohol. I've done it in church and it's never seemed to have much effect on me. I'm sure this drink Nathan is giving me is stronger, but how bad could it be?

I take a long sip and everyone starts cheering. I feel good, but it tastes awful. Nathan puts his hand on the cup so I can't remove it from my mouth and I start to struggle, more alcohol pouring down onto my blouse. When Nathan finally releases the glass I see the glass is almost empty. I didn't appreciate what he did, but I can't exactly complain in front of this crowd. They're all congratulating me, and they seem to be studying me wondering what I'll do next. I tell them it tasted disgusting, but with a slightly cheerful tone and I make some of them laugh.

"I think it's best you sit down before you freak out." says one man. I'm concerned, but he's laughing so perhaps he's not expecting anything unusual to happen. I would like to sit down because I've been standing all night. I ask someone for water to wash this taste out of my mouth but it seems no one can hear me.

Max

I watch Kate take possibly her first ever drink and I guess I'm happy for her. Maybe she'll turn over a new leaf and become a hard-boozing degenerate like the rest of us. Nathan pulls a dick move by grabbing Kate's cup to keep her glugging, but Kate doesn't seem upset afterwards which is a relief. I take a long sip of my drink suddenly aware that, even as lightweight as I am, I'm not even tipsy. Kate is moved to a nearby sofa and the crowd follows, all curious about what happens next. My money is on her falling asleep and with everyone walking away disappointed. I'm a sleep drunk myself.

Hayden seems attached to me. As we were walking up to see Kate drinking he made sure to keep a hand on my waist, and when we stopped he wrapped me up in his arms, his hands resting on my tummy. I guess I can't blame him for being so into me after we were just talking about threesomes. A part of me is uncomfortable because I don't really feel like returning any favours, but a part of me kind of likes the attention.

Victoria approaches us excited about what we'd just witnessed.

"Kate Marsh is a lush in the making. I never thought I'd see the day."

"I feel kind of lame. She's drunk more than I have." I say.

"You have a good reason not to drink." says Victoria, who after eyeing Hayden looks down at his hands, "By the way, it's five dates before second base, Hayden."

"I know for a fact you don't believe that." he says and I laugh.

"Whatever. Come on. We need to see if Kate melts down or something."

We stand around studying Kate, who seems to be having a good time. She's giggling as the crowd takes turns telling her how amazed they are to seeing her drinking but eventually people begin drifting away. I think disappointed that she didn't turn Exorcist on us.

"We should have spiked her drink. I hate giggling drunks." Victoria says to Nathan.

"Fuck it, maybe next time!"

"What would you spike it with anyway? I thought that shit just made you fall asleep?" asks Hayden.

"There's a lot of different shit you can use! I didn't spike it though!" says Nathan.

"Crazy shit, huh?!" Taylor walks up to us "But it looks like she loves it!"

Victoria is distracted by something. I follow her gaze. It's Courtney and Paul. I'd completely forgotten about them. They're sitting close together at a secluded table. Paul has an arm around her and he's pretty animated and Courtney's laughing.

"Ew," says Victoria to me, when she notices I'm watching too "What is she thinking?"

Hayden shifts around to watch.

"Are you sure that guy's as old as you say he is?" I ask him.

"It's too dark over there. I can't really see."

"You think we should get the Bigfoots to stomp him?" asks Victoria.

"That'd just be embarrassing." I say.

"If we all go together we can at least see we're like, watching him." says Taylor.

"Good idea. I've wanted to hang out with Courtney all night but I guess they've just been sat there the whole time. She hasn't even introduced us to this guy."

Victoria starts walking quickly up to the pair and we all follow, reluctantly.

"Victoria, hey. This is Paul." Courtney says before Victoria can say her piece.

"Nice to meet you all." says Paul as we all roll up. We must look ridiculous. Victoria's posse.

I look at Paul up close, and I suppose he does look like the oldest guy in the room. He's a little scruffy. Covered in stubble and his hair is a mess – he looks like he just got out of bed after a 24-hour bender. I still think he's kind of cute. I don't think he's 30. Maybe early 20's?

Everyone starts responding back to Paul. Politely. I think Victoria is waiting to speak last and I decide to try and steer the conversation away from introductions and try and interfere with whatever performance she has planned. Paul might be a creep, but we can just shame Courtney into dumping him if it turns out he's cradle robbing. Hayden says hi to Paul and there's no hint of recognition in his voice or any reaction from Paul, so I guess Hayden really is full of shit.

"Hey Paul," I step forward "So you guys have been pretty quiet tonight, I haven't seen you around."

"Paul's a little shy." Courtney elbows him playfully in the ribs. She's obviously way into him.

"It's true. I haven't let Courtney introduce me to anyone yet. Unfamiliar crowds, you know?"

"You seem like you're pretty comfortable with us kids," says Victoria "So let me guess how you guys met. Internet?" asks Victoria.

"I work with Courtney's Dad. Awkward, right?"

"I've forgotten what your Dad does again." I say to Courtney. I know he's in construction.

"He's an electrician. Paul's his apprentice."

"Hayden here had some electric stuff done recently, didn't you Hayden?" asks Victoria. I think she's just dragging Hayden into the conversation to see if he squirms.

"Yeah. Socket in my room. Busted." Hayden says

"Ouch." says Paul

"You live in the dorms though." says Courtney.

"Samuel had his hands full." Hayden says. I note how smooth Hayden is with these lies (I'm pretty sure they're lies). Victoria sighs and I look at her. Something catches her attention and she wanders off without saying a word.

"Did I upset your friend there?" Paul asks.

"She gets crazy distracted when she's drunk. And high." I say.

"I hope she isn't angry with us." says Courtney.

"She's jealous of your cute bf!" says Taylor wickedly.

"Yeah Victoria hasn't gotten laid in a while. It's nothing personal." says Hayden.

"We heard this stupid rumour that you were, like, 40." I say. May as well put the whole thing to bed.

"I feel like I'm 40. Oldest thing at the party. I must be very creepy." Paul says. Courtney giggles.

"A lot of daddy issues in this room," says Hayden "You'll fit in perfectly."

I think of my Dad, and then Jefferson. I mean, Hayden's probably heard us all talk Jefferson.

"Hayden, no." says Courtney. Paul starts laughing.

"Nah it's cool," says Taylor "You're 20, right?"

"20. Right." says Paul.

There's a lot of commotion elsewhere in the room. We all look and see a large crowd gathered around a sofa. It's not clear what's got them riled up but I'm sure it's just someone passed out or something.

"So does your Dad know you're dating Paul?" asks Taylor.

"I certainly hope not." says Paul. Courtney and Taylor start giggling.

"I love it!" says Taylor, "Secret romance! I'm jealous."

"Yeah that'd be fun, I guess." I say. I think of Jefferson and our little thing at the coffee shop. Probably not really a romance though.

"You're giving Max ideas, Taylor," says Hayden "I wouldn't mind too much if you both wanted to start a secret romance though."

"Don't tempt us." I say.

"Oh, it's gonna happen, Hayden!" says Taylor.

"Are you and … Max? Together?" Paul asks Hayden and I guess I never introduced myself to Paul.

"Yup. She's my girl." He snakes an arm around me.

"She's cute." says Paul. Hayden pulls me in close to him and I feel a little irritated.

"I did her hair and makeup." says Courtney.

"Now I'm blushing." I say "Anyway I better go and find Victoria. Nice to meet you, Paul."

"Later." Paul says. Hayden releases me. Taylor says goodbye to Paul too before tagging along as I walk away.

"He's nice," she whispers to me "Do you think he's really 20?"

"I kind of prefer thinking he's 30."

"I know, right?!"

The large group around the sofa is still there. Mostly guys from the Bigfoots in their varsity jackets. Nathan's with them giggling uncontrollably and I notice Victoria stood there filming something with her phone. Taylor and I walk over and it quickly becomes clear that Kate is sat on the sofa making out hardcore with one of the Bigfoots. He has one hand reaching down underneath her skirt. There's a second guy squeezed in next to her who's grabbing her elsewhere. People are laughing and encouraging it but in a hushed tone. Kate stops making out with the one guy, then turn to the other a begins making out with him. I walk over to Victoria.

"Can you fucking believe this?!" she says to me, excited.

"Yeah pretty crazy." I say.

I feel kind of trashy watching this scene but I can't look away. Kate seems really into it, I guess, but I can't help but think she's on something. Did someone spike her drink? This is all a bit of a stretch. Kate making out with a guy, one guy, wouldn't be that shocking, but this is borderline porno. I guess this is the first chance Kate's had to really let loose?

"Wow I can't believe Kate's actually getting some tonight! I'm jealous!" says Taylor.

"This is probably going to get out of hand," I say "You think we should get her out of there?"

Victoria isn't paying attention to me. Now focused entirely on shooting this with her phone. I just keep watching the spectacle, waiting for this to take a bad turn. Caught somewhere between disgust and intrigue.

Nathan, of all people, steps in and puts a stop to it. I briefly consider whether I should've been the one to do it but an army of slobbering jocks isn't going to pay any attention to me.

"Look guys put your dicks on ice I don't want this to turn into a gangbang or anything! She's way too wasted!"

A lot of the guys reply with mock frustration but they seem on board. I'm relieved. The guys Kate was making out with the sofa stand up and walk away and Kate slumps in a daze. I wonder why Nathan has pull over the Bigfoots. Probably something money-related. Victoria mentioned once that everyone on the Bigfoots were on shit so I guess Nathan is their hookup? Nathan steps in and picks Kate up.

"Ugh, since when did Nathan become Captain Save-a-ho?" says Victoria, "Come look at this!"

Taylor and I gather around to watch a replay on Victoria's phone.

"My entry for the Vortex Club Oscars!" says Victoria "I think we got enough. I don't think we need to see 'Kate Does Arcadia Bay'. Not yet."

"I love seeing Kate get freaky!" says Taylor.

"I have a hard time believing she was just drunk." I say "You sure no one spiked her drink?"

"Nathan didn't, if that's what you're saying," says Victoria "That was probably like the first alcohol she'd ever had."

"First alcohol I ever had I didn't end up making out with a room full of guys." I say.

"You're a much sweeter girl than Kate, Max." says Victoria.

Nathan approaches us. Kate hanging off his shoulder.

"She's completely out of it. I should probably get her out of here." says Nathan.

Me, Victoria and Taylor all trying peering into Kate's face. She's half-awake. Obviously pretty fucked up.

"You think someone spiked her drink, Nathan?" I ask.

"She's just super-lightweight." says Nathan "I'll take her back to the dorm."

"Look at you!" says Victoria "This is almost heroic."